HOME INVASION: Suspect Shot During Burglary

Des Moines police say an alleged burglar was shot early Thursday morning when he and a juvenile tried to break into a home.

Police were called to 3118 Jefferson Street just after 4:00 a.m. on an attempted burglary.

When officers arrived the victim, Rick Holland, told them two men had kicked open the door of his home. Holland used a 9mm Glock and shot a number of shots at the suspects as they fled the scene, hitting one of one of the suspects in the arm.

Mercy Hospital contacted police around 4:30 a.m. and let police know a man had been brought in suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. The man was identified as 19-year-old Jesus Diaz. He initially told officers he had been shot in an argument near 30th and Forest Avenue.

During the investigation police were able to determine a vehicle at Diaz’s residence matched the description of the vehicle seen leaving the earlier burglary.

Diaz then admitted to officers that he and a friend, who is a juvenile, tried to break into the home at 3118 Jefferson.

Des Moines Police say they don’t advise people to fight back against home intruders unless there is no other option.

Police say Diaz and the juvenile will be charged with second degree burglary.